Principal Quality Analyst

Northrop Grumman•Charlottesville, VA

2d•$81,400 - $122,000•Onsite

About The Position

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems Sector is seeking a Principal Quality Analyst to join our team in Charlottesville, VA. Principal Quality Analyst supporting CHO machine shop operations, responsible for developing and leading quality plans, SPC-based process controls, and continuous improvement initiatives for precision machined components. This role drives defect reduction, yield improvement, and compliance to drawing, customer, and regulatory requirements by leading RCCA/CAPA, analyzing quality data and trends, and partnering closely with machinists, programmers, manufacturing engineering, and program teams to ensure robust, repeatable, and auditable processes.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience in quality, manufacturing, or assembly; OR a Master's degree and 3 years of experience in quality, manufacturing or assembly; OR an Associate’s Degree with 7 years of experience in quality, manufacturing, or assembly; OR 9 years of quality, manufacturing, or contract experience may be accepted in lieu of Bachelor's degree
Demonstrated expertise in understanding geometrical dimensioning & tolerancing, and applying knowledge to determine metal fabrication inspection methodology
Demonstrated expertise with various product verification tools and associated applicability (examples include CMM, FARO arms, micrometers, height gages, comparators, thread gages etc.)
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret clearance
US Citizenship required

Nice To Haves

Computerized Measurement System (e.g. CMM, FARO, Keyence, etc) programming using PC-DMIS, PolyWorks or equivalent software package
Experience working with SAP/MES interfaces
Familiarity with ISO9001:2015 or AS9100D quality systems
Experience as a manufacturing or inspection team lead or supervisor
Experience developing inspection plans

Responsibilities

Own the development, deployment, and continuous improvement of quality plans, control plans, and inspection procedures for machined components and hardware produced in the CHO machine shop.
Apply advanced statistical process control (SPC) and data analytics to monitor machining process performance (e.g., key dimensions, tool wear, capability indices), identify special-cause variation, and drive reduction of scrap, rework, and escapes.
Review, analyze, and report on quality discrepancies related to machining, deburring, finishing, and associated operations; translate nonconformance and inspection data into clear, actionable insights for machine shop and CHO leadership.
Lead cross-functional root cause and corrective action (RCCA) activities for recurring machining defects and process issues using structured problem-solving tools (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone, FMEA, fault tree).
Define, implement, and verify the effectiveness of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to prevent recurrence of dimensional, material, and process-related issues impacting cost, schedule, and technical performance.
Partner closely with machine shop supervisors, CNC programmers, manufacturing engineers, quality inspection, and program teams to ensure requirements are correctly interpreted, flowed down to shop floor travelers/programs, and verifiably met.
Interface with customers, vendors, and subcontractors on machine shop quality topics to clarify technical requirements, resolve quality concerns, and support robust acceptance criteria and verification methods.
Provide expert guidance on quality dispositions, rework/repair instructions, and configuration control for machined parts, ensuring alignment with drawings, specifications, and contractual requirements.
Develop, maintain, and track machine shop quality metrics and dashboards (e.g., first-pass yield, DPPM, scrap and rework rates, RCCA cycle time, capability indices) to enable data-driven decisions and continuous improvement.
Ensure adherence to applicable quality management system and sector requirements (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100, NG quality procedures) within machine shop documentation, processes, and records.
Mentor and coach quality analysts, inspectors, and machinists in the effective use of quality tools, interpretation of inspection results, and execution of RCCA and continuous improvement initiatives.
Lead and oversee First Article Inspection (FAI) planning, execution, documentation, and performance tracking to ensure full compliance with customer, drawing, and AS9102 requirements.